A rich and cozy soup filled with tender chicken, rice, and vegetables in a creamy broth — perfect for chilly nights or meal prep.
1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cubed or shredded
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes.
Add garlic, cook 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
Slowly add broth, stirring constantly. Add rice, thyme, bay leaf, and raw chicken.
Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove and shred chicken if whole. Return to pot.
Stir in cream, simmer uncovered 5–10 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and stir in parsley. Remove bay leaf and serve.
Use pre-cooked chicken to shorten cooking time.
Substitute rice with wild rice or brown rice.
For dairy-free, use coconut milk and olive oil.